The second game on Friday for A-League Round 8 is between Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix. The opening kick-off is set to commence at 9.45pm with the game to be played at nib Stadium. The favourite for the match is home team Perth Glory. View our preview and teams for the game between Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix.

Round: Round 9, Friday December 6 at 9.45pm AEDT.
Stadium: nib Stadium
Head to head: Played: 21, Wins: Glory 7, Phoenix 10, Draws: 4
Previous encounter: Phoenix 1-1 Glory, November 9 2013

Perth Glory $1.85 vs Wellington Phoenix $4.33 at Sportsbet Australia get a $250 FREE BET on this match

Perth Glory $1.90 vs Wellington Phoenix $4.00 at Luxbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match

Odds Comparison:

Perth Glory	1.85	1.82	1.90	1.82	1.85	1.83
Draw	3.40	3.45	3.30	3.45	3.40	3.40
Wellington Phoenix	4.33	4.40	4.00	4.40	4.33	4.33

Teams:

Perth Glory:

Wellington Phoenix:

Preview:

Form:

Past five matches:

Glory: LLDDW

Phoenix: DLDLD

The Game:

The first ‘distance derby’ between these teams this season ended in a 1-1 draw less than a month ago, and there was certainly little to separate them in Christchurch, with that score a fair reflection. Since then the Phoenix’s search for a first win of the season has gone on, with Ernie Merrick’s team suffering something of an unfortunate 2-1 defeat away to Sydney FC, before holding Western Sydney Wanderers to a credible 0-0 draw at home last time out. The feeling is that Wellington are not far away from getting it right, and a match against a Perth team weakened by injuries could be their best opportunity yet to finally get off the mark, despite the long trip to Western Australia.

The big issue:

Glory – Can the Glory cope with their mounting number of defensive absentees? Marquee veteran William Gallas is slated to return from a calf injury this week, but is still lacking match fitness following his move to Australia. Scott Jamieson is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, while utility player Steve Pantelidis, who has spent plenty of time at centre-back, has been allowed to leave the club for Selangor in Malaysia. The likes of youngsters Jack Clisby, Riley Woodcock and Matthew Davies can all expect opportunities to prove their worth in the campaign ahead, but are they ready to take responsibility?

Phoenix – Goals. Wellington have plenty of attacking talent in the form of Carlos Hernandez, Kenny Cunningham, Jeremy Brockie, Paul Ifill and Stein Huysegems, who had a good game against the Wanderers without finding the back of the net. Someone in Wellington colours will need to soon though, because breaching opposition defences is the only way Merrick’s side are going to climb the table.

The game breaker:

Jamie Maclaren – Glory have lost New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz for up to four weeks to an ankle ligament injury, meaning youngster Maclaren will receive more chances to impress in a central attacking role. Full of energy and with no shortage of desire, the 20-year-old has scored twice in eight appearances so far this term, but needs to be more clinical in front of goal if he is to fill the void left by Smeltz.

Prediction: Perth Glory 1-2 Wellington Phoenix

The Glory looked shaky at the back in the game away to Brisbane last week, and although playing the competition’s leaders in their own backyard is a different proposition from hosting the travel-weary Phoenix, Merrick’s side should back themselves to take advantage of Perth’s defensive weaknesses. It’s time for their aforementioned attacking talent to deliver on their promise and record the victory Wellington’s efforts deserve. Perth, still without Jacob Burns through suspension, need to bounce back after being comprehensively outclassed at Suncorp last week. Whether or not they have the personnel to do so this week remains to be seen.

Source: www.footballaustralia.com.au